Announcing New Leadership at the Scholars Strategy Network

The Scholars Strategy Network is thrilled to announce changes to our leadership team to better support researchers in our mission to improve public policy and strengthen democracy.

Joining SSN’s Board of Directors are two esteemed leaders: E.J. Dionne, Jr. and Deondra Rose. 

E.J. Dionne, Jr. is a Distinguished University Professor at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, and a syndicated columnist for the Washington Post. Bringing a wealth of experience in public discourse and policy analysis, his insightful perspectives and dedication to fostering democratic engagement will be invaluable to SSN’s mission.

"I am deeply honored to be joining the Scholars Strategy Network because I have long admired the thinkers involved, the work they do, the subjects they take on, and their commitment to marrying the practical with the visionary,” said Dionne. “At a time when democracy is under stress, we need clear thinking, innovative research, and personal commitment. Those involved in SSN embody all three.”

Deondra Rose is the Kevin D. Gorter Associate Professor at the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University. A long-time SSN member, Rose led the North Carolina SSN chapter for 8 years and served on SSN’s Chapter Advisory Council for the past two years to advise fellow chapter leaders across the country. A prominent scholar of U.S. higher education policy, political behavior, American political development, and the politics of inequality, Rose will contribute her extensive academic expertise, passion for equitable policy solutions, and years of chapter leadership experience to the board.

Reflecting on her new role, Rose shared, "At a political and historical moment when American democracy is unquestionably on the ropes, the role that scholars can play in providing research-based insights to lawmakers, journalists, issue advocates, and our broader society is arguably more important than ever. The Scholars Strategy Network has played a powerful role in my development as a scholar and as a citizen, and I am extremely honored to join the board of directors."

Leaving SSN's Board of Directors is Hahrie Han. We thank her for her years of service helping to lead the organization. Reflecting on her time on the board, Han wrote, “I think SSN represents exactly the kind of work scholars should be doing in the world, and the membership-based structure of SSN makes it unique among peers. I look forward to seeing the ways the organization continues to grow and develop and will be cheering it on as a member!”

Replacing Rose on SSN’s Chapter Advisory Council is Natasha Warikoo. Warikoo is the Lenore Stern Professor in the Social Sciences in the Department of Sociology at Tufts University. Warikoo led the Boston SSN chapter for the past six years, working to engage the chapter’s over 150 members in state and local policymaking.

Additionally, SSN is pleased to announce three changes to our management. Lizzy Ghedi-Ehrlich is SSN’s new Managing Director, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organization to ensure that SSN remains a dynamic and effective organization. Andrew Pope is SSN’s new Director of Policy, managing our team of policy staffers and issue-specific cohorts to connect researchers with policymakers and civic leaders. Finally, Shannon Kelly is our new Director of Trainings, responsible for running our growing training program that equips scholars with the skills they need to engage effectively with policymakers and the media.

Please join us in welcoming E.J. Dionne, Deondra Rose, Natasha Warikoo, Lizzy Ghedi-Ehrlich, Andrew Pope, and Shannon Kelly to their new roles. We are confident that their contributions will significantly enhance the work of the Scholars Strategy Network in the years ahead.